THE WINTER PRINCESS

by Mary Treadgold ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

A plot that is too busy and a cast too large to be easily identified in a short review are the major drawbacks of Miss Treadgold's fifth book. The setting is Hampton Court, which English children know well. Its 16th and 17th century charms are not made vivid for an American audience. The central action revolves about an elderly widow who lives in one of Hampton Court's Grace and Favour apartments. Every Friday, she gives tea to the group of children who people this book. Her problem become their's and when a villainous young newspaperman tries to find evidence that Lady Carron's late husband, a Colonial Administrator, was not a hero but a coward, they connive to hamper him. Half way through the book the Winter Princess arrives. She is an African girl and can refute the story that the newfound is trying to build. Her coming presents no racial difficulties. England has no backlash here, just Wholesome forward push. The difficulties set up are all too simply solved in a welter of Shakespearean quotation and musical allusion. No character in the book is really developed and the situations are contrived.

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Van Nostrand

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1964

Categories: FICTION